Ownership
by Richard Gerow

Recent conversations at my job with our new Executive Chef have opened up new & old thoughts.  Chef Louis is only 32, but has worked in MANY 4 star restaurants and hotels.  He is a CIA grad, and a graduate of Boston U.  He is Jewish (rare in central Georgia...and only important because I was born and raised in the Borscht belt...I know a 'schlemiel' when I see one!).  Mainly, he loves food ..not necessarily the cooking thereof...but, the construction of menus and plates, etc.  I have not had anyone similar to that I could commiserate with for many years.  He makes many mistakes (TACT!! for one) but, he will learn.  I feel he would be great as a chef/owner of his own place...and someday (hopefully not TOO soon) he will be!

Today, we were talking about how we have this vast nether land of aimless, uncaring employees.  It led me to come up with these TRUE anecdotes about the loyal people who worked for me when I had my own place(s) in middle Georgia over thirteen years.  Why were they different?  Because they knew I REALLY cared about my business, and that I REALLY cared about them...things often overlooked (or 'legally inappropriate' ) in corporate settings.

THINGS NEAT, COOL, AND REWARDING that happened to me as chef/owner of "Richard's" restaurants...

Waitress named Emma calls in:
"Richard, I'm gonna be a little late, just got back from the hospital...they think (my daughter) has meningitis."
Same waitress, several years and 7 children later:
"Richard, I'll be about an hour late.  The baby was playing in the garage and I backed over her with the car...I think she just got tire marks on her."

Tammy (Reba McIntyre look-alike and my head waitress for 12 years):
"A man wants a Tan & Gray martini...do we have Tan & Gray?" (Tanqueray)

"I cannot work Mother's Day , I have kids of my own and I've worked 7 in a row." (Looks at reservation book, sees 8 requests for her). "I guess another Mother's Day" won't hurt."

Tammy's twin sister was killed in an automobile accident.  I asked the waiters, on a slow night, to contribute anything they could to help Tammy's family with funeral expenses and I would match it.  The three servers on duty chipped in $700.

Oliver ("Ollie") was/is the best bus boy in human history.  He could broad jump an eight top completely set with wine service!!!

Ollie won "Employee of Year 3 times" in our 13year existence.  He would have won MORE but he spent 5 years (on & off) in jail & prison...Thus..

"OLLIE STORIES"..

last to first..
"Hey Rich, they got me here in prison for murder in Florida....I won't be able to work this weekend."

Phone call..."Mr. Gerow? Owner Richard's Restaurant"? ("Yes?) "You are listed as legal guardian of Oliver W........, and he needs bail at Houston County Jail within an hour if you want him to work tonite."

Ever notice how sometimes things are so bizarre you pay no notice? One day (Mother's Day) Oliver comes in...says hello, gets a bus tub..fills with ice...goes out to his bike...brings in 6 quarts of Colt 45...puts in ice tubs, in walk-in. Goes to work...busy as hell...about 6 hours into service go in walkin...2 Colt 45 remain. "Ollie! What the hell is THIS!!!" (You don't expect me to work under these conditions without a muscle relaxer, do you!!")

Oliver goes to name his son..."Rich..how'd you spell Antoine?"  ..."A N T O I N E "..."Shit, brothers won't buy that...it's A N T W A N "

Olliver helps me move (thrice)..this time I am waiting at Sears loading dock behind 12 in front of me. Where's my refrigerator?.
"They can't keep you waitin' like this!" ("Ollie, it's OK")..Ollie goes to dock takes clipboard from Mgrs. hand...helps Sears employees deliver all goods in 15 minutes...then gets them (4 from Sears) on back of pick up to help him put my refrigerator in place...and put in my house!

A now nationally known politician frequented my place...(many pols did...but, this guy just recently  got more famous...)
one Saturday I get this call: from a familiar , female voice..
"Richard? Hi! .......and I have been having big problems with the radio reception on the new Lincoln, Eddie......(the dealer) can't seem to get it right"...could you take a look at it and see if there is a loose wire or something that can be fixed?" (My response...knowing who is calling...and knowing NOTHING about electonics).."Sure..I'll look at it, I'm not busy, just pull it behind the restaurant and I'll look at it."  "Behind the restaurant? Who is this?" "Richard, "Richard's restaurant." "Oh my God Richard, I have you right next to Richard ..... the  TV repairman in my rolodex..I'm so sorry!"

Felton..

Felton was a all america high school athlete playing in one of the most football crazed areas of the south. I originally hired him as a part-time dishwasher (he already had two full time jobs)...and never paid much attention to him.

One Thanksgiving eve Felton, David (my 'sous chef',) and I were watching TV in the kitchen (and mixing our drinks. It really is a LOOONNNNGGGG story. But, that night David decide (after many cocktails) that it would be a great idea to: rob a C Store, flee from police..ram a police car..get arrested...escape from jail...kidnap a couple and drive to Mexico...return to the States for forgotten wallet...and end up getting sentenced to 75 years & life. Well, Felton had watched me work..asked for the job ...and got it. For 11 years he was my right hand man..then he became my kitchen boss when I opened a second restaurant.
Error.
I'm at the new restaurant getting a hysterical call from one of my long term great waitresses. I can't understand a word. Finally...another waitress grabs the phone..."Richard...get here quick...Felton is strangling Tasha because she threw out the browned toss salad"...(Seems I told him that if he was minding the store..he was responsible for 'waste'.) Upon my arrival 3 local cop cars (lights a flashing) have arrested Felton (and driven off all business).
A few weeks later...things were "back to 'normal'"...all employees in place & doing fine.

I could/should go on And on..thousands of stories , all true...but the point (there really is one)..

If you are UNAFRAID and want to...your own place is the ONLY way to go.
If you survive...a very long time...you will have so many poignant memories...you could write several books....


Richard